Ashley Bringard and Lindsey Van Norman are believed to be the first players in the history of Lake Orion High School volleyball to make the jump to the collegiate level, after signing letters of intent last Friday afternoon.
The duo will play together at Oakland Community College next season.
Bringard is a four-year varsity player and two-time all league selection. She led the team in kills and serve percentage last season.
‘She’s been the go-to hitter for two years straight and has been our best setter,? said Coach Bob Howey.
Van Norman, meanwhile, is a two-year varsity player who was given the coach’s award this past season.
‘Lindsey has been a great hard worker,? Howey noted. ‘Her height and her jumping ability are going to be hard to replace.?
Assistant Coach Steve Skene helped Bringard and Van Norman get some attention from OCC. Both players said the decision was easy once they were presented with scholarship offers.
‘It’s an accomplishment to be proud of,? Van Norman said of being the first players at LOHS to have a chance to play collegiately.
She and Bringard both said it was a goal from day one at LOHS to make it to the college level. They said they’re also glad to be staying close to home for the time being, so that they can keep an eye on their varsity teammates from this season.
‘They’ll keep it going,? Bringard said of the squad’s recent success, which includes a OAA II title this past fall.
While undecided on a career path, Bringard said she’d like to do something in sports, while Van Norman is interested in meteorology.
Because of their hard work, the forecast is bright for Dragon volleyball.
As a result of their league championship, the team will move up to the OAA I next season ? a fact that Howey said will be a lasting legacy for the two players.
‘You have to have someone set the precedent and it’s something for the other players on the team to live up to,? he said.